In chapter 10 of A Tale of Two Cities, why doesn't Dr. Manette want Charles to tell him his real name? In the book, it says how Manette told Charles to wait to tell him on the day he weds Lucie, but it never explains WHY he wants him to wait. Could anyone explain this to me? THANKS!
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In order to understand why Dr. Manette doesn't want Charles to tell him his real name in Chapter 10 of A Tale of Two Cities, we need to examine the context and the events leading up to that moment.
To find the reason behind Dr. Manette's request, we should first analyze the relationship between Dr. Manette and Charles Darnay. Throughout the novel, Dr. Manette has developed a fatherly affection and deep gratitude towards Charles. This strong bond is established because Charles saved Dr. Manette's life in England, where Dr. Manette was unjustly imprisoned for eighteen years.
In this particular chapter, Dr. Manette is filled with immense joy due to the news of Charles and Lucie's engagement. However, his past trauma and fears are still a significant part of his character. The idea of Charles sharing his real name might awaken painful memories and potentially endanger his newfound stability and serenity.
Given Dr. Manette's unstable mental state, it is possible that he fears relapse or a return to the man he was during his long incarceration. By requesting Charles to wait until their wedding day to reveal his true identity, Dr. Manette is prioritizing his own mental well-being and the preservation of their harmonious family life.
It is also important to note that Charles, being a compassionate and understanding character, respects Dr. Manette's wishes. He agrees to wait without questioning or pressuring him for an explanation, further reflecting their strong bond and Charles's admiration for Dr. Manette.
Charles Darnay's patience and compliance with Dr. Manette's request serve as a testament to his love for Lucie and his understanding of the emotional baggage Dr. Manette carries. By waiting until their wedding day, Charles prioritizes the happiness and well-being of the entire family unit over sharing his personal history.
While the novel doesn't explicitly mention Dr. Manette's exact reasoning behind his request, we can infer that it is rooted in his traumatic past and the need to protect his fragile mental state. Charles's understanding and willingness to honor this request further deepens the bond between the two characters.